Golf putting training apparatus and method of training a golfer to use a putter

ABSTRACT

A golf putting training apparatus for improving a golf stroke along a line of intended travel of a golf ball. The golf training apparatus includes a pair of upright supports and an eye alignment tool for aligning a user&#39;s eyes above the apparatus and in a vertical plane that includes the golf ball and the line of intended travel. The eye alignment tool is supported by and connected between the supports and above the golf ball and includes a substantially linear top edge and pair of generally parallel planar sides depending from the top edge toward a bottom edge. With the golf putting training apparatus further including a longitudinally elongated tool arranged under the lower bottom edge of said eye alignment tool and extending along the line of intended travel of said golf ball. A method of training a golfer to use a putter used by the golfer during a golf putting stroke is also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Continuation-In-Part of my cozening patentapplication Ser. No. ______ filed on: Apr. 7, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION DISCLOSURE

This invention disclosure generally relates to the game of golf and,more particularly, to a golf putting training apparatus and method oftraining a golfer to use a putter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION DISCLOSURE

Golf is a popular game but one that is technically demanding. Learningcorrect techniques to be used on a golf course can lead to significantimprovements in a golfer's performance and, thus, lead to lower scores.To become a better golfer, a golfer must master consistency in allaspects of their various swings.

The putting stroke is only one of several types of golf swings, yet itaccounts for nearly half of all swings made during regulation play.Despite its rather innocent-looking appearance, and as any good golferknows, the ability to accurately and consistently putt a golf ball is avery difficult skill to develop, acquire and maintain.

During putting, a golfer typically imagines a target line between theposition of the ball on the green or putting surface and the golf cup or“hole.” The target line imagined by the golfer is that path for the ballwhich, if followed, results in the ball landing in the cup. To properlyenvision the target line, it is helpful for a golfer to vertically aligntheir line of sight with a vertical plane which is perpendicular to theputting green or surface and passes through the centerline of the ball.If the golfer's line of sight is not aligned in this manner, it is lesslikely the golfer will correctly envision the target line, and morelikely the golfer will envision a line that does not lead the ball tothe cup thereby adding frustration to the game and the golfer. Even ifthe remainder of the golfer's putting stroke is perfect, the ball islikely to follow the improperly envisioned line, rather than the targetline and not land in the cup.

Even if the golfer does properly envisions the target line, the ball canstill miss the cup if the club face or striking surface of the putterdoes not travel along a target line during the golfer's putting stroke.Additionally, and even if the golfer does properly envision the targetline and swings the club face of the putter in line with the target lineduring the putting stoke, the ball can nevertheless still miss the cupif the striking surface or club face of the putter is not square to theball when the club face contacts the ball. In order to develop anaccurate and consistent putting stroke, the golfer will find it helpfulto combine each of the elements of properly aligning the golfer's lineof sight over the target line, swing the putter club face in line withthe target line, and squaring the club face of the putter when the clubface contacts the ball.

In view of the foregoing, there is continuing need and desire for a golfputting training apparatus in which a correct putting swing can betaught along with a method for training a user to swing a golf putter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of this invention disclosure there is provided agolf putting training apparatus for improving a golf stroke along a lineof intended travel of a golf ball. The golf training apparatus includesa first upright support, a second upright support, and an eye alignmenttool for aligning a user's eyes above the apparatus and in a verticalplane that includes the golf ball and the line of intended travel. Theeye alignment tool is supported by and connected between the supportsand above the golf ball and includes a substantially linear top edge andpair of generally parallel planar sides depending from the top edgetoward a lower bottom edge. The golf putting training apparatus furtherincludes a longitudinally elongated tool arranged under the lower bottomedge of the eye alignment tool and extending along the line of intendedtravel of the golf ball. The elongated tool has an upper surface uponwhich the golf ball can rest, and with the upper surface of theelongated tool having a finish for enhancing viewing at least one of theplanar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located inother than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to aputting surface, and with the vertical plane being aligned with thecenter of the golf ball and the line of intended travel for the ball.

Preferably, the longitudinally elongated tool of the golf puttingtraining apparatus is generally equal to or greater in length than theeye alignment tool. In one form, the longitudinally elongated tool ofthe golf putting training apparatus has a length which is significantlygreater than a width of said longitudinally elongated tool. The width ofthe longitudinally elongated tool is preferably greater than thediameter of a regulation size golf ball. In another form, thelongitudinally elongated tool defines a series of openings along thelength thereof, with each opening being generally aligned with alongitudinal axis of the elongated tool for facilitating placement ofthe gold ball beneath the eye alignment tool.

In another form, the finish on the upper surface of the elongated toolincludes a paint different from that provided on the planar sides of theeye alignment tool whereby enhancing viewing at least one of the planarsides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in otherthan a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a puttingsurface. Preferably, the longitudinally elongated tool also includes alower surface adapted to lie on the putting surface when thelongitudinally elongated tool is arranged under the lower bottom edge ofthe alignment tool, and with the lower surface being provided with afinish thereon. In another embodiment, the longitudinally elongated tooldefines a centrally disposed indicator extending between the ends of thelongitudinally elongated tool for facilitating alignment of thelongitudinally elongated tool with the intended line of travel for thegolf ball.

According to another aspect, there is provided a golf putting trainingapparatus including a first upright support, a second upright support,and an elongated rigid eye alignment tool for aligning a user's eyesabove the apparatus and in a vertical plane extending generallyperpendicular to a putting surface. The vertical plane is aligned with agolf ball and the line of intended travel for the ball. The eyealignment tool is supported by and connected between the supports andabove the golf ball and includes a substantially linear top edge andpair of generally parallel sides depending from said top edge toward alower bottom edge. The golf putting training apparatus further includesa longitudinally elongated tool arranged under the lower bottom edge ofthe eye alignment tool and extending along the line of intended travelof the golf ball. The elongated tool has an upper surface upon which thegolf ball can rest, and with the upper surface of the elongated toolbeing treated so as to enhance viewing of at least one of the planarsides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in otherthan a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a puttingsurface, and with the vertical plane being aligned with the center ofthe golf ball and the line of intended travel for the ball.

Preferably, the longitudinally elongated tool of the golf puttingtraining apparatus is generally equal to or greater in length than theeye alignment tool. In one form, the longitudinally elongated tool ofthe golf putting training apparatus has a length which is significantlygreater than a width of the longitudinally elongated tool. In anotherembodiment, the longitudinally elongated tool defines a centrallydisposed indicator extending between the ends of the longitudinallyelongated tool for facilitating alignment of the longitudinallyelongated tool with the intended line of travel for the golf ball. In apreferred embodiment, the longitudinally elongated tool defines a seriesof openings along the length thereof, with each opening being generallyaligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongated tool for facilitatingplacement of the gold ball beneath the eye alignment tool.

In one form, the planar surfaces on the eye alignment tool are treatedto provide a visual indication when the user's eyes are located in otherthan the vertical plane. In this form, the upper surface of theelongated tool is treated differently from the treatment provided on theplanar sides of the eye alignment tool whereby enhancing viewing atleast one of the planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user'seyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generallyperpendicular to a putting surface. In another form, the longitudinallyelongated tool also includes a lower surface extending generallyparallel to the upper surface and which is adapted to lie on the puttingsurface when the longitudinally elongated tool is arranged under thelower bottom edge of the alignment tool. In this form, the lower surfaceis treated differently from the treatment provided on the planar sidesof the eye alignment tool whereby enhancing viewing at least one of theplanar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located inother than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to aputting surface.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of training agolfer to use a putter having a putting head with a reference markerextending across a striking face there and which is to be used by thegolfer during a golf putting stroke. Such method includes the steps of:arranging a golf training apparatus in operable combination with a golfball on a putting surface, with the golf training apparatus including apair of upright supports and an eye alignment tool extending along aline of intended travel for the golf ball, with the tool being supportedby and connected between the supports and above the golf ball andincludes a substantially linear top edge and pair of generally parallelplanar sides depending from the top edge toward a lower bottom edge;aligning the golfer's eyes above the apparatus and in a vertical planethat includes the golf ball and the line of intended travel such thatonly the top edge and not the planar sides of the eye alignment tool isviewable to the golfer. Such method further includes the step of:arranging a longitudinally elongated tool under the lower bottom edge ofthe eye alignment tool and extending along the line of intended travelof the golf ball, with the elongated tool having an upper surface uponwhich the golf ball can rest, and with the upper surface of theelongated tool being treated so as to enhance viewing of at least one ofthe planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes arelocated in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicularto a putting surface, and with the vertical plane being aligned with thecenter of the golf ball and the line of intended travel for the golfball.

Preferably, the method of training a golfer includes the further stepof: aligning a reference marker on the elongated tool with the line ofintended travel of the ball.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of a golf training puttingtraining apparatus embodying principals of this invention disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the golf putting training apparatusillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of one end of thegolf putting training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of an opposite end ofthe golf putting training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 andillustrates how the golf putting training apparatus enables the golferto judge whether their eyes are in alignment in a vertical plane over agolf ball;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary and enlarged schematic illustration of what thegolfer views when using the golf putting training apparatus of thepresent disclosure and their eyes are in alignment in a vertical planeover a golf ball;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary and enlarged schematic illustration of what thegolfer views when using the golf putting training apparatus of thepresent disclosure and their eyes are not in alignment in a verticalplane over a golf ball;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary and enlarged schematic illustration similar toFIG. 7 showing what the golfer views when using the golf puttingtraining apparatus of the present disclosure and their eyes are not inalignment in a vertical plane over a golf ball;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged end view of the golf putting training apparatusillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a reflective device which can be used inoperable combination with the golf putting training apparatus of thisinvention disclosure;

FIG. 11 is an end view illustrating the reflective device shown in FIG.10 in operable combination with the golf putting training apparatus ofthis invention disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary schematic representation of the image providedby the reflective device when used in operable combination with the golfputting training apparatus of this invention disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary showing of a conventional golf putter;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing another aspect of thisinvention disclosure;

FIG. 15 is top plan view of a longitudinally elongated tool which can beused in operable combination with the golf putting training apparatusillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation of the longitudinally elongated toolillustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 18 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in multipleforms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be describeda preferred embodiment, with the understanding the present disclosuresets forth an exemplification of the disclosure which is not intended tolimit the disclosure to the specific embodiment illustrated anddescribed.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicatelike parts throughout the several views, in FIG. 1 there is shown a golfputting training apparatus, generally indicated by reference numeral 10,which embodies principals of this invention disclosure and is arrangedon a putting surface S. As shown in FIG. 1, the golf putting trainingapparatus 10 includes a first upright and rigid support 12, a secondupright and rigid support 14, along with a rigid and longitudinallyelongated eye alignment tool 18.

Support 12 is preferably fabricated from a suitable metal material suchas aluminum or the like. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,support 12 extends upwardly or vertically in a direction preferablyperpendicular to the putting surface S. Similarly, support 14 ispreferably fabricated from a suitable metal material such as aluminum orthe like. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, support 14extends upwardly or vertically in a direction preferably perpendicularto the putting surface S.

The eye alignment tool 18 has an elongated configuration and is likewisepreferably formed from a suitable metal material such as aluminum or thelike. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the eye alignmenttool 18 includes a substantially linear upper or top edge 42, a lower orbottom edge 44, and a pair of generally parallel planar side surfaces 46and 48 (FIG. 2) extending between edges 42 and 44. In one form, tool 18has a generally rectangular configuration between the edges thereof. Ina preferred embodiment, tool 18 has a length (the distance betweenopposed ends) ranging between about 42 inches to about 47 inches and aheight (the vertical distance between the top and bottom edges 42 and46) of about 3.5 inches and about 4.5 inches. In a most preferred form,tool 18 has a length of about 45.2 inches and a height of about 4.0inches. Moreover, tool 18 has a thickness (the distance between theplanar surfaces 46 and 48) ranging between about 0.097 inches and about0.187 inches. In a preferred form, tool 18 has a thickness of about0.125 inches.

As illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 3, one end of the eyealignment tool 18 is provided with a mounting flange 43 to facilitatereleasable attachment of that end of the tool toward an upper end of thesupport 12. Any suitable form of fasteners 47 including a threaded boltand nut combination can be used to operably connect the end of tool 18to support 12.

As illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 4, an opposite end ofthe eye alignment tool 18 is provided with a mounting flange 45 tofacilitate releasable attachment of the end of the tool 18 toward anupper end of the support 14. Again, any suitable form of fasteners 47including a threaded bolt and nut combination or other forms ofreleasable fasteners can be used to operably connect the end of tool 18to support 14. The releasable attachment of tool 18 to supports 12, 14facilitates handling, shipping and overall transportation of apparatus10. It is also within the spirit and scope of this invention disclosureto allow the eye alignment tool 18 to be operably connected to thesupports 12 and 14 so as to allow for adjustment of the vertical spacingunder and between the lower or bottom edge 44 of tool 18 and the puttingsurface S (FIG. 3). In one form, such adjustments can be affectedthrough the provision of elongated vertical slots in either theattachment flange portions of tool 18 of through elongated slots in thesupports 12, 14.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when tool 18 is operably joined to supports12, 14, the lower or bottom edge 44 of tool 18 is vertically spaced fromthe putting surface S a sufficient distance to permit a regulation sizegolf ball B (FIG. 3) to be placed thereunder and with sufficient roomsuch that a head of a conventional golf putter 80 (FIG. 13) can fitthereunder in a manner permitting a golfer to practice their puttingswing movements. As shown in FIG. 5, and when tool 18 is operably joinedto supports 12, 14, the sides 46 and 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 aredisposed in a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to theputting surface S. Notably, and during use of apparatus 10, the upper ortop edge 42 of the eye alignment tool 18 defines a target line TL (FIGS.6, 7 and 8) which is a preferred path for a golf ball to follow as itpasses toward a target.

In one embodiment of apparatus 10, the upper or top edge 42 of the eyealignment tool 18 is highlighted by treating or otherwise being providedwith coloring, i.e., white paint or other suitable indicator forenhancing a golfer's perception of the line of travel to be taken by agolf ball during use of apparatus 10. Moreover, the planar sides 46 and48 of the eye alignment tool 18 are also preferably highlighted bytreating or otherwise being provided with coloring, i.e. a brightlycolored paint other than or different from that used on the top edge 42or other suitable indicator. Of course, the opposed sides 46 and 48could each have an individual color or indicator thereon different fromthe top edge 42 and different from each other without detracting ordeparting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Returning to FIG. 1, apparatus 10 furthermore preferably includes ahandle 50 for facilitating transportation of apparatus 10 betweenlocations. In a preferred form, and to limit detractions to the golferusing apparatus 10, the handle 50 preferably includes an elongated slotor opening 52 in tool 18 approximately midlength between opposed endsthereof. Preferably, the opening 52 in tool 18 has a closed margin andextends laterally through the tool 18 such that no projections extendoutwardly from opposed sides 46, 48 of the tool 18 which could prove tobe detractions for the user of apparatus 10.

In the exemplary form illustrated in FIG. 9, at least one of thesupports 12, 14 of apparatus 10 defines a target 60. In a preferredform, each of the supports 12, 14 defines a target 60, 62, respectively.Each target 60, 62 is centered with respect to the intended travel ofthe golf ball B or target line TL during practice. Each target 60, 62defined by the supports 12, 14, respectively, is at least as large asregulation size golf ball. In a preferred form, each target 60, 62 isdefined by an opening 64, 66, respectively, in the respective support12, 14.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, and as shown inFIGS. 10, 11 and 12, there is provided a reflective device 70 adaptedfor use in combination with the golf putting training apparatus 10. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the reflective device 70 has a reflectivesurface 72 and, as schematically represented in FIG. 12, is sized toreflect the face of the golfer using the golf putting training apparatus10. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the reflective device 70 is provided witha line or indicator 74 preferably extending thereacross.

When arranged in operable combination with the golf putting trainingapparatus 10, and as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the reflective device 70is positioned or placed under the eye alignment tool 18 with thereflective surface 72 facing toward the tool 18 and with the line orindicator 74 on surface 72 (FIG. 12) being aligned with the target lineTL defined by the eye alignment tool 18. Th purpose of device 70 is toprovide the user of apparatus 10 with an immediate visual indication ofany unwanted and inadvertent head movements along with eye alignmentrelative to the vertical plane defined by the eye alignment apparatus 18and the centerline of the golf ball during a putting stroke.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provideda longitudinally elongated tool 80 which, when arranged in operablecombination with and part of the golf putting training apparatus 10, isarranged under the lower bottom edge 44 (FIG. 17) of the eye alignmenttool 18. Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 14, tool 80 extends along theline of intended travel TL of the golf ball (not shown).

Tool 80 is preferably formed from a suitable metal material such asaluminum or the like. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16,tool 80 includes a pair of generally parallel major planar upper andlower surfaces 82 and 84 (FIG. 16), respectively, extending between theside edges 83 and 85 and between opposed ends 86 and 88. During use, aball is positioned on the upper surface 82 while the lower surface 84 isadapted to lie on the putting surface S during use of apparatus 10. Ofcourse, the tool 80 is reversible to enhance the dexterity andusefulness thereof. In one form, tool 80 has a length (the distancebetween opposed ends 86, 88) ranging between about 46 inches to about 49inches and a width (the distance between the side edges 83 and 85) ofabout 1.125 inches and about 2 inches. In a most preferred form, tool 80has a length of about 47 inches and a width of about 1.25 inches.Moreover, tool 80 has a thickness (the distance between the planar upperand lower surfaces 82 and 84, respectively) ranging between about 0.097inches and about 0.187 inches. In a preferred form, tool 80 has athickness of about 0.125 inches.

Suffice it to say, tool 80 is generally equal to or greater in lengththan the eye alignment tool 18. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, tool 80 hasa length which is significantly greater than its width. Moreover, itshould be understood, the width of tool 80 is less than a diameter of aregulation size golf ball. As such, and when tool 80 is sized longerthan the eye alignment tool 18, tool 80 is permitted to fit and extendthrough the target openings 64, 66 defined by the supports 12, 14,respectively, of apparatus 10 (FIG. 17).

As shown in FIG. 15, tool, 80 defines a series of openings 89 along thelength thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, tool 80 is shown todefine three openings 89; with substantially equivalent longitudinalspacing being provided therebetween. As swill be appreciated, however,lesser or fewer openings could be defined by tool 80 without detractingor departing from the spirit and scope of this invention disclosure. Inthe preferred form, the openings 89 are generally aligned with alongitudinal axis 81 of tool 80. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the openings89 facilitate placement of a golf ball B beneath the eye alignment tool18 and on the upper surface of tool 80.

The upper major surface 82 of tool 80 has a finish thereon for enhancingviewing of at least one of the least one of the planar sides 46, 48 ofthe eye alignment tool 18 when a user's eyes are located in other than avertical plane extending generally perpendicular to the putting surfaceS and with the vertical plane being aligned with the golf ball and theline of intended travel TL for the ball. Such finish is preferably inthe form of a colored paint or the like which contrasts with or isdifferent from the treatment provided on the opposed sides 46, 48 of theeye alignment tool 18 whereby enhancing viewing of at least one of theleast one of the planar sides 46, 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 duringuse of apparatus 10. The other major or lower surface 84 of tool 80likewise preferably has a finish thereon for enhancing viewing of atleast one of the least one of the planar sides 46, 48 of the eyealignment tool 18 when the tool 80 is reversed from the positionillustrated in FIG. 17. Like surface 82, the finish on surface 84 ispreferably in the form of a colored paint or the like which contrastswith or is different from the treatment provided on the opposed sides46, 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 whereby enhancing viewing of atleast one of the least one of the planar sides 46, 48 of the eyealignment tool 18 during use of apparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 15, at least surface 82 of tool 80 is provided with alongitudinally elongated indicator or reference marker 90 thereon.Preferably, surface 84 of tool 80 is likewise provided with alongitudinally elongated indicator or reference thereon. The indicatoror marker is 90 is centrally disposed and preferably extends between theends 86, 88 of the tool 80 for facilitating alignment of the tool 80relative to the intended line of travel TL of the ball.

In use, and as shown in FIG. 5, the eye alignment tool 18 of apparatus10 enables a user to judge when their eyes are in alignment in avertical plane over the golf ball B. FIG. 5 schematically illustratesthe user's eyes in three different positions A, B and C along with thecorresponding line of sight A′, B′ and C′.

As will be appreciated from sight line A′, and as represented in FIG. 6,when the user's eyes are properly positioned or aligned directly overand in alignment with a vertical plane passing through the eye alignmenttool 18 and the centerline of golf ball B (as represented in position“A”), the user only sees the top edge 42 of the eye alignment apparatus18. That is, the user's eyes cannot see either planar side of the 46 or48 of the eye alignment tool 18. Accordingly, the eye alignment tool 18provides a clear indication the user is properly aligned with the ball Bto affect a proper putting stroke. As will be appreciated from FIG. 6,providing a highlighting indicator, such as paint or the like, along thetop edge 42 of the eye alignment tool will only serve to enhance agolfer's perception of the line of travel TL to be taken by a golf ballduring use of apparatus 10. Testing has revealed having the tool 80arranged beneath the eye alignment tool 18 significantly enhances theability of the user to view the sides 46, 48 of the eye alignment tool18 and ensure proper alignment during use of the apparatus 10. Ofcourse, and after training on apparatus 10, proper eye alignment alongwith proper head and body placement will be automatically affectedduring a putting stroke.

When the user's eyes are not in the vertical plane (as represented inposition “B”) and the user views the eye alignment tool along sight lineB′, and as represented in FIG. 7, the user will see both the top edge 42and the planar side 46 of the eye alignment apparatus 18. As such, theeye alignment tool 18 will provide the user with a visual image andclear indication they are not properly aligned with the ball B to affecta proper putting stroke and the user should relocate to affect properalignment. As will be appreciated from FIG. 7, providing a high lightingindicator, such as a bright paint color or the like, on surface 46 oftool 18 which is different from the highlighting indicator on the topedge 42 of the eye alignment tool 18 will only serve to enhance a user'sperception of their vertical misalignment relative to the ball B toaffect a proper putt. Moreover, providing a different color or othertreatment on the upward facing surface of tool 80 from that provided onthe sides 46, 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 will furthermore serve toenhance a user's perception of their vertical misalignment relative tothe ball B to affect a proper putt.

When the user's eyes are not in the vertical plane (as represented inposition “C”) and the user views the eye alignment tool along sight lineC′, and as represented in FIG. 8, the user will see both the top edge 42and the planar side 48 of the eye alignment apparatus 18. As such, theeye alignment tool 18 will provide the user with a visual image andclear indication they are not properly aligned with the ball B to affecta proper putting stroke and the user should relocate to affect properalignment. As will be appreciated from FIG. 8, providing a high lightingindicator, such as a bright paint color or the like, on surface 48 oftool 18 which is different from the high lighting indicator on the topedge 42 of the eye alignment tool 18 will only serve to enhance a user'sperception of their vertical misalignment relative to the ball B toaffect a proper putt. Moreover, providing a high lighting indicator,such as a bright paint color or the like, on planar surface 48 of tool18 which is different from either the high lighting indicator on the topedge 42 or the high lighting color on the opposed planar surface 46 ofthe eye alignment tool 18 will only serve to enhance a user's perceptionof their vertical misalignment relative to the ball B to affect a properputt along with providing an indicator of the direction of theirmisalignment. Again, providing a different color or other treatment onthe upward facing surface of tool 80 from that provided on the sides 46,48 of the eye alignment tool 18 will furthermore serve to enhance auser's perception of their vertical misalignment relative to the ball Bto affect a proper putt.

A fragmentary showing of a conventional golf putter is representedgenerally by reference numeral 80 in FIG. 9. A typical putter 80includes a putter head 82 defining a generally planar surface orstriking face 84. Putter alignment mark(s), generally represented byreference numeral 86, are usually provided on the striking face 84 ofthe putter 80. Such visual alignment marks or aids 86 can beincorporated into the putter designs and are typically a vertical grooveon the face 82 or the top putter surface 88 of the putter head 82. Suchgrooves can be highlighted by the use of white, black, red or othercontrasting colors of paint or colored inserts.

According to another aspect of the present invention disclosure, the eyealignment tool 18 of apparatus 10 furthermore facilitates properpositioning of the club face or striking surface 84 of the putter 80along the target line TL (FIG. 6) during the golfer's putting stroke.That is, by maintaining the visual alignment marks or aids 86 on theputter 80 in line with the top edge 42 of the eye alignment tool 18,proper positioning of the club face or striking surface 82 of the putter80 along the target line TL (FIG. 6) during the golfer's putting strokeis enhanced.

According to still another aspect, there is provided a method oftraining a golfer to use a putter 80 having a putting head 82 with areference marker 86 extending across a striking face 84 thereof andwhich is to be used by the golfer during a golf putting stroke. Suchmethod includes the steps of: arranging a golf training apparatus 10 inoperable combination with a golf ball B on a putting surface S, with thegolf training apparatus 10 including a pair of upright supports 12, 14and an eye alignment tool 18 extending along a line of intended travelfor the golf ball, with the tool 18 being supported by and connectedbetween the supports 12, 14 and above the golf ball B and includes asubstantially linear top edge 42 and pair of generally parallel planarsides 46, 48 depending from the top edge 42 toward a lower bottom edge46; and, aligning the golfer's eyes above the apparatus 10 and in avertical plane that includes the golf ball and the line of intendedtravel such that only the top edge 42 and not the planar sides 46, 48 ofthe eye alignment tool 18 is viewable to the golfer. Another step in themethod involves arranging a longitudinally elongated tool 80 under thelower bottom edge 44 of the eye alignment tool 18 and extending alongthe line of intended travel TL of the golf ball. The elongated tool hasan upper surface 82 upon which the golf ball can rest, and with theupper surface 82 of the tool 80 being treated so as to enhance viewingof at least one of the planar sides 46, 48 of the eye alignment tool 18when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extendinggenerally perpendicular to a putting surface S, and with said verticalplane being aligned with the center of the golf ball and the line ofintended travel TL for the ball.

The method of training a golfer can include the further step of:aligning the reference marker 86 on the striking face 84 of the putterhead 82 with the vertical plane including the golf ball B and the lineof intended travel of the ball. Preferably, the method of training agolfer includes the further step of: providing a mirrored or reflectivesurface 72 sufficiently sized to reflect the golfer's face beneath theball B and the eye alignment tool 18 of the golf training apparatus 10such that the golfer can view head movements and eye alignment during aputting stroke.

The method of training a golfer can include the further step of: provinga target 60 on at least one of the supports 12, 14. Alternatively, themethod of training a golfer can include the further step of: providing atarget opening 64, 66 on the supports 60, 62, respectively, with eachopening 64, 66 being defined at least as large as a regulation size golfball. Moreover, the method of training a golfer can include the furtherstep of: aligning a reference marker 90 on the elongated tool 80 withthe line of intended travel TL of the ball.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications andvariations can be made and effected without departing or detracting fromthe true spirit and novel concept of this invention disclosure.Moreover, it will be appreciated, the present disclosure is intended toset forth exemplifications which are not intended to limit thedisclosure to the specific embodiments illustrated. Rather, thisdisclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all suchmodifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of theclaims.

1. A golf putting training apparatus, comprising: a first uprightsupport; a second upright support; an eye alignment tool for locating auser's eyes above the apparatus, with said tool including a singleelongated guide member supported by and connected between said supportsand laterally centered above a golf ball arranged on a putting surface,with said guide member having a substantially linear top edge defining asingle line of intended travel for said ball and a pair of generallyparallel planar sides extending perpendicular to the putting surface anddepending from said top edge toward a lower bottom edge of said guidemember, with the planar sides of said single guide member providing avisual indication whether the user's eyes are located in a verticalplane extending perpendicular to the putting surface and including thegolf ball and the single line of intended travel of said ball; and alongitudinally elongated tool arranged under the lower bottom edge ofthe guide member of said eye alignment tool and extending along thesingle line of intended travel of said golf ball, with said elongatedtool having an upper surface upon which said golf ball can rest, andwith said upper surface of said elongated tool having a finish forenhancing viewing at least one of the planar sides of said guide memberwhen a user's eyes are located in other than the vertical planeextending generally perpendicular to a putting surface.
 2. The golfputting training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidlongitudinally elongated tool is generally equal to or greater in lengththan said eye alignment tool.
 3. The golf putting training apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said longitudinally elongated tool has alength which is significantly greater than a width of saidlongitudinally elongated tool.
 4. The golf putting training apparatusaccording to claim 3 wherein the width of said longitudinally elongatedtool is greater than the diameter of a regulation size golf ball.
 5. Thegolf putting training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidlongitudinally elongated tool defines a series of openings along thelength thereof, with each opening being generally aligned with alongitudinal axis of said elongated tool for facilitating placement ofsaid gold ball beneath said eye alignment tool.
 6. The golf puttingtraining apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the finish on the uppersurface of said elongated tool is different from a finish provided on amajor portion of the planar sides of the guide member of said eyealignment tool whereby enhancing viewing at least one of the planarsides of the guide member of said eye alignment tool when the user'seyes are located in other than said vertical plane extending generallyperpendicular to the putting surface.
 7. The golf putting trainingapparatus according to claim 6 wherein said longitudinally elongatedtool also includes a lower surface adapted to lie on the putting surfacewhen said longitudinally elongated tool is arranged under the lowerbottom edge of said guide member of said alignment tool, and with saidlower surface being provided with a finish thereon.
 8. The golf puttingtraining apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said longitudinallyelongated tool defines indicator disposed generally centrally betweenopposed longitudinal sides of and extending between opposed ends of saidlongitudinally elongated tool for facilitating alignment of saidlongitudinally elongated tool with the intended line of travel for saidgolf ball.
 9. A golf training apparatus, comprising: a first uprightsupport; a second upright support; an elongated rigid eye alignment toolfor locating a user's eyes above the apparatus and in a vertical planeextending generally perpendicular to a putting surface, and wherein saidtool includes a single elongated guide member supported by and connectedbetween said supports and above a golf ball laterally centered withresect to said guide member and with said guide member having asubstantially linear top edge defining a single line of intended travelof said golf ball and a pair of generally parallel sides extendingperpendicular to the putting surface and depending from said top edgetoward a lower bottom edge of said guide member, and with a majority ofa surface finish on each planar side of said guide member beingdifferent from a surface finish on the top edge of said guide member;and a longitudinally elongated tool arranged under the lower bottom edgeof said guide member and extending along the single line of intendedtravel of said golf ball, with said elongated tool having an uppersurface upon which said golf ball can rest, and with said upper surfaceof said elongated tool facilitating viewing of at least one of theplanar sides of said guide member when a user's eyes are located inother than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to aputting surface, and with said vertical plane being aligned with thecenter of said golf ball and the line of intended travel for said ball.10. The golf putting training apparatus according to claim 9 whereinsaid longitudinally elongated tool is generally equal to or greater inlength than said eye alignment tool.
 11. The golf putting trainingapparatus according to claim 9 wherein said longitudinally elongatedtool has a length which is significantly greater than a width of saidlongitudinally elongated tool.
 12. The golf putting training apparatusaccording to claim 9 wherein said longitudinally elongated tool definesa centrally disposed indicator extending between the ends of saidlongitudinally elongated tool for facilitating alignment of saidlongitudinally elongated tool with the single intended line of travelfor said golf ball.
 13. The golf putting training apparatus according toclaim 9 wherein said longitudinally elongated tool defines a series ofopenings along the length thereof, with each opening being generallyaligned with a longitudinal axis of said elongated tool for facilitatingplacement of said golf ball beneath the guide member of said eyealignment tool.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The golf putting training apparatusaccording to claim 9 wherein said guide member is laterally centeredrelative to said first and second supports.
 16. The golf puttingtraining apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said longitudinallyelongated tool also includes a lower surface extending generallyparallel to said upper surface and which is adapted to lie on theputting surface when said longitudinally elongated tool is arrangedunder the lower bottom edge of said guide member of said eye alignmenttool, and with said lower surface on said elongated tool facilitatingviewing of one of the planar sides of said guide member when a user'seyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generallyperpendicular to a putting surface.
 17. A method of training a golfer touse a putter having a putting head with a reference marker extendingacross a striking face there and which is to be used by the golfer tostrike a golf ball during a golf putting stroke, said method comprisingthe steps of: arranging a golf training apparatus in operablecombination with a golf ball on a putting surface, with said golftraining apparatus including a pair of upright supports and an eyealignment tool, with said tool including a single elongated guide membersupported by and connected between said supports and laterally centeredabove the golf ball, with said guide member having a substantiallylinear top edge defining a single line of intended travel for said golfball and a pair of generally parallel planar sides depending from saidtop edge toward a lower bottom edge; using the planar sides of saidsingle guide member to locate the golfer's eyes above the apparatus andin a vertical plane that includes the golf ball and the single line ofintended travel such that only the top edge and not the planar sides ofthe guide member is viewable to the golfer; and arranging alongitudinally elongated tool under the lower bottom edge of said guidemember to extend along the single line of intended travel of said golfball, with said elongated tool having an upper surface upon which saidgolf ball can rest, and with said upper surface of said elongated toolfacilitating viewing of at least one of the planar sides of said guidemember when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical planeextending generally perpendicular to a putting surface.
 18. The methodof training a golfer according to claim 16 including the further stepof: aligning a reference marker on the elongated tool with the singleline of intended travel of said ball.